Former Cosmetologist and Funeral Professional Plans Two Raleigh Donut Shops
Dana Norman spent much of her career caring for people. Now, she is bringing that same personal approach to a growing restaurant franchise portfolio.
After working in cosmetology for 20 years and funeral services for another decade, Norman decided to follow her entrepreneurial ambitions. She opened a Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Greensboro, North Carolina, and has now committed to developing two Shipley Do-Nuts locations in Raleigh.
The decision is about more than opening restaurants. For Norman, business ownership is an opportunity to create something lasting for her family while continuing to serve the communities around her.
An Unusual Path Into Restaurant Franchising
Norman’s first career grew from a childhood interest in cosmetology. She completed her training, earned a professional licence and used her work to help pay for school.
The industry felt like a natural choice because other members of her family had also worked in the field. It gave her years of experience building customer relationships and providing highly personal service.
Norman later made a significant career change and entered funeral services. She completed another licensing process and spent approximately 10 years supporting families during some of their most difficult moments.
That work strengthened her appreciation for compassion, dependability and clear communication. When she began considering business ownership, she did not want to leave those values behind.
Instead, Norman looked for a new setting where she could use the lessons from her earlier professions while creating greater independence for herself and her family.
Turning a Long-Term Goal Into a Business
Franchise ownership gave Norman a path into entrepreneurship without requiring her to build a concept from the beginning.
Her Tropical Smoothie Cafe in Greensboro became the first major step. As she gained experience operating the restaurant, she began thinking about how to expand her business interests.
Shipley Do-Nuts eventually became the right opportunity.
The company began serving customers in Texas in 1936 and has since expanded to more than 393 locations in 12 states. Norman found its long operating history reassuring because it demonstrated the brand’s ability to remain relevant across generations.
She was also impressed by the food and the variety available on the menu. The combination of familiar products, established operating procedures and room for expansion gave her confidence in the investment.
Her first Shipley Do-Nuts location is scheduled to open in the Raleigh area in 2027. A second shop is planned for 2028.
Raleigh Offers Room for a New Donut Brand
Raleigh continues to attract new residents and businesses, making it an appealing market for restaurant development.
Shipley Do-Nuts is still relatively new in North Carolina, where it currently has a limited presence. That creates both an opportunity and a challenge for Norman. She will be introducing the concept to customers who may not yet recognize the name, while also serving people who already know the brand from other states.
Norman plans to build awareness through local partnerships, community participation and direct engagement with residents. Developing two shops should help her create a stronger footprint and establish Shipley as a familiar option in the Raleigh market.
Her community-first strategy reflects the same qualities that shaped her earlier careers. Whether serving salon clients, helping families or welcoming restaurant guests, Norman has consistently focused on personal relationships.
Southeast Expansion Remains a Priority
Norman’s agreement is part of Shipley Do-Nuts’ plan to grow carefully across the Southeast.
The company wants to add locations in markets near its existing operations while also considering selected opportunities in the Midwest and Southwest. This approach allows the franchise to strengthen regional awareness and avoid expanding faster than its support system can manage.
Shipley has recently entered additional markets in Texas, Louisiana and Virginia. Even in areas where the company has few shops, it may already have a following among customers who previously lived in Texas.
To support new openings, the franchise conducts marketing before each shop begins operating. These campaigns help introduce the location, create anticipation and attract customers during the opening period. Franchisees then receive continued marketing support designed to maintain interest after the initial launch.
The Brand Wants Franchisees Who Know Their Communities
Shipley’s typical franchise agreements involve two to five locations. This allows operators to establish a regional presence without immediately taking on an overly large development commitment.
The company is especially interested in owner-operators who bring solid professional experience and are prepared to participate in their local markets. A restaurant background is not always required.
Customer service, management ability and community involvement can be just as important. Norman offers all three, along with direct experience running her Tropical Smoothie Cafe.
Her story demonstrates that franchise ownership can be a new chapter for professionals from many different industries. Skills developed in beauty, health, finance, retail or other service fields can often translate into restaurant leadership when owners have the right training and support.
As Norman prepares to open two Shipley Do-Nuts locations, she is building on decades of experience rather than starting over. Her career may have moved through several industries, but the central purpose has remained consistent: serving people well and creating a positive impact.
The Raleigh expansion will allow her to continue that work while developing the family legacy she once imagined.
Learn more about Shipley Do-Nuts Franchise opportunities.
